NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Onigbongbo LCDA boosts LG election with free health check-ups

Onigbongbo LCDA boosts LG election with free health check-ups

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By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Saturday deployed mobile ambulances and health officials to offer free medical check-ups to voters, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) officers, and other officials present at polling centres.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vehicles were seen roving through the communities within the Onigbongbo LCDA namely, Opebi, Allen, Maryland, Onigbongbo, Ikeja GRA, Olusosun among others.

Health officials, stationed in Onigbongbo LCDA ambulances, provided free blood pressure (BP) tests, blood sugar level checks, and other vital sign assessments.

Mrs Oluyinka, one of the officials, informed NAN that the team had been on patrol since early morning, conducting various health screenings for consenting voters and electoral officers.

“We have been going round the Onigbongbo LCDA since 8.00 a.m. offering free medical check-ups and also offering advice to those who have one problem.

“People are excited to see us, which made the work tasking especially having to deal with large numbers in some poling units.

“Our task is to check everyone irrespective of their party affiliations; we are not for political reasons, rather for the health benefits to be enjoyed by the people in the communities.

“We have some other places to visit and we will also be on the standby to offer free check-ups to everyone in the communities,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Moyo Adesina, commended the LCDA administration for the good initiative.

“This is a good initiative from the LCDA and they should be commended for it; this will surely endear the heart of many to the party.

“The election conduct has been peaceful here and we are happy with the turnout and the encouragement from the LCDA,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Obasa hails peaceful Lagos council elections

Obasa hails peaceful Lagos council elections

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By Adekunle Williams
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has praised the peaceful conduct of the council elections in the state.
He gave the commendation on Saturday after casting his vote in the Lagos local government elections held on Saturday.

The speaker described the process as commendable and encouraging.

Obasa voted at Polling Unit 019, Ward E, on Oluwole Olaniyan Street in the Orile Agege area of Lagos.

Upon arrival, he briefly interacted with electoral officials and constituents before casting his ballot.

Speaking with journalists after voting, Obasa expressed satisfaction with the process, calling it peaceful and free of violence or irregularities.

“So far, the process has been peaceful and without any form of disruption. It is good to see citizens exercising their democratic rights,” he said.

He commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for ensuring a smooth and well-organised electoral process.

The speaker emphasised that peaceful elections are crucial for democracy and good governance.

He urged eligible voters who had not yet voted to come out and participate in the election.

“It is important we all take part. Voting is both a right and a responsibility. Everyone should fulfil this civic duty,” he said.

Obasa expressed confidence that the election results would reflect the true will of the people.

He also stressed the importance of transparency, fairness, and credibility throughout the entire electoral process.

Mr Abdulganiyu Obasa, the speaker’s son and APC vice chairmanship candidate, expressed hope for a peaceful conclusion to the election. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Lagos LG Polls: Hamzat expresses confidence in process

Lagos LG Polls: Hamzat expresses confidence in process

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By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Saturday voted at Polling Unit 002, Ward A4, in the Oke Balogun area of Epe.

Speaking to journalists, Hamzat described the election’s conduct as peaceful and encouraging.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASIEC officials arrived with voting materials at 10:18 a.m.

Accreditation and voting commenced simultaneously at 11:20 a.m.

Hamzat expressed optimism about the election’s outcome, saying he expected his party to win by a large margin.

In spite of the delay, he expressed satisfaction with the process and encouraged voters to participate.

“Voting has started and we just hope it continues smoothly. People are still voting, so I am encouraged.

“So far, so good. It’s early to assess turnout, but it’s been impressive and encouraging,” he said.

The deputy governor attributed the delay to logistical challenges faced by LASIEC.

He noted that with around 800 polling units in Epe, the officials had much ground to cover.

“Election is about logistics, and people should understand that.

“They must ensure everything is in place and organised properly,” he said.

Hamzat urged voters to remain orderly and cooperate with LASIEC officials for a peaceful, violence-free process.

NAN also reports that security personnel were stationed at the polling units to maintain peace. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

PVC remains proof of civic responsibility, not party loyalty- Desmond Elliot

PVC remains proof of civic responsibility, not party loyalty- Desmond Elliot

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By Olaitan Idris

The member representing Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, says the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remains a proof of civic responsibility, rather than a measure of party loyalty.

Elliot said this shortly after casting his vote at Onitolo Nursery/Primary School, Unit 009, in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government is conducting elections for chairmanship and councillorship positions across all 20 local government areas and 37 local development council areas.

“PVC does not mean voting for my party. It means exercising your civic responsibility,” he said.

According to him, it’s unfair for individuals to seek government support without contributing to the democratic process through voting.

“You can’t sit at home and later come to seek help from people who others sacrificed to vote into power,” he said.

Elliot described the turnout of the election as slightly low but expressed optimism that more voters would show up as the day progressed.

The lawmaker noted that local government elections should attract more participation than presidential polls due to their direct impact on daily life.

“Development begins at the grassroots level. With powers and revenue now devolved to local governments, this election holds significant importance.

“The outcome of this election will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens, making it crucial for voters to exercise their franchise wisely and elect leaders who will prioritise their needs and drive development in their areas,” he said.

He advocated increased public discussion about the responsibilities of local governments, highlighting their critical role in primary healthcare, market management, and maintenance of inner roads.

The lawmaker commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for the orderly conduct of the election. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

LG Polls: Sanwo-Olu votes, urges peaceful participation

LG Polls: Sanwo-Olu votes, urges peaceful participation

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By Aderonke Ojediran

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu voted at exactly 11:09 a.m. on Saturday at Polling Unit 006, Saint Stephens Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island Local Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC officials arrived at Ward E3, Polling Unit 006, at approximately 7:30 a.m. for the Lagos State Council Polls.

The governor, accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged some earlier logistics issues in certain areas, which he said had been resolved.

“Everything is okay here,” he said. “Although the unit is heavily populated, voting is progressing well, and the officers are present. I’ve voted successfully.

“Party agents are here, and it’s extremely peaceful. I’ve seen some logistics issues on TV, but I believe they’ve now been resolved,” the governor said.

He noted that some officers experienced delays reaching their polling units but expressed gratitude for the calm and favourable weather.

“I commend LASIEC. This election is very important, and I believe results will be compiled later in the day,” he said.

The governor stressed the importance of local government as a vital tier for grassroots development and public service delivery.

“It is vital; people realise this is the closest government to them. I’ve fulfilled my civic responsibility,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He urged Lagos residents to come out and vote, describing the process as peaceful and encouraging wider participation.

“I know there were some initial logistics hiccups at certain polling units, but I understand those have now been addressed.

“Let’s continue to come out in large numbers and vote,” the governor appealed.

NAN reports that LASIEC is conducting elections into 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Downpour, late arrival of materials delay Lagos council polls

Downpour, late arrival of materials delay Lagos council polls

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By Reporters

Voting materials and electoral officers arrived late at many polling units in Lagos during Saturday’s local government elections in the state.

The chairmanship and councillorship elections were billed to start at 8.00 a.m. across all the polling units.

However, the elections did not start at 8.00 a.m. in most polling units monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Electoral officers and voting materials began to arrive at many polling units after 8.30 a.m.

There were no signs of voting materials or arrival of electoral officers at Polling Units 030, 031, and 029 located at Unity Nursery and Primary School, Hostel Bus Stop, beside a Mobil filling station in the Egbe-Agodo area, as at 8.00 a.m.

Only an agent of the All Progressives Congress was seen waiting at one of the polling units.

Some voters, who came out early, left after observing no signs of commencement of elections.

At Polling Units 014 on Authority Avenue, 012 and 049, all located at Egbe-Agodo, the situation was the same.

Late arrival of electoral officers was also witnessed at the seven polling units at Agege.

Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) had announced that electoral materials and officers would be expected to arrive at polling units by 7.00 a.m.

A Presiding Officer at Agege, Mrs Abiola Choice, attributed her late arrival to her polling unit to late distribution of election materials.

She said: “Even after we got the materials from the registration area centre, there was no vehicle to convey us to polling units.”

Mr Cornelius Stephen, a 90-year-old voter, who spoke with NAN in Agege, expressed disappointment that the electoral officers did not keep to time.

“You can see that it is already 8.00 a.m., yet only security personnel are present here at Agege Primary School, Ward 3,” he said.

At Epe, Eredo and Ikosi-Ejirin, a heavy downpour in the early hours delayed arrival of electoral officers and materials.

It also made many voters not to come out early.

The rain began at about 5.35 a.m.

Mr Deji Agunrege, a resident of Epe, told NAN that the rain might discourage especially the elderly and voters from distant places from coming out to vote.

At 8.48 a.m., electoral officers had yet to arrive at Polling Unit 021 located at Ohafia Junction, Ago Palace Way, Okota in Oshodi/Isolo Local Council Development Area.

Some residents were seen jogging and conversing in groups, while tricycle riders continued to ply the roads.

At Badagry, late arrival of electoral officers and election materials also characterised the elections at many polling units.

As of 8.48 a.m., electoral officials had yet to arrive at Polling Unit 020 located at Mowo Town Hall.

Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area also recorded late arrival of electoral officers and elections materials.

The officers and materials had not arrived at polling units in Wards B2, C, K as at 9.15 a.m.

Pastor Emmanuel Okigwe, Secretary of the Labour Party at Ward C, told NAN that he was worried at the lateness.

“We are witnessing a lot of irregularities. Our party was unable to inspect the materials.

“Even at midnight, they still had not brought them,” he alleged.

A septuagenarian, Mr Akindare Adetifa, also expressed disappointment at the late arrival of electoral officers.

He said that, in the past, elections always started early.

Electoral officers and materials were ready at some Egbe/Idimu area as at 9.00 a.m. but there were no voters.

Some of the polling units monitored by NAN are 042 at Modupe Shitta, 04 at Yusuf Olatunji, 05 at Olojo/Holmes, 027 at Banjo, and 016 on Lamina Street, all under Egbe/Idimu Ward 5.

A mix-up in addresses of some polling units caused a delay in commencement of voting at Egbe-Agodo.

At Polling Unit 051, Oguntoyibo, an electoral officer, who did not want to be named, told NAN that his team was unable to set up voting booths because its address was incorrect.

“We are not in the right location. The address we were given belongs to another polling unit, so we couldn’t set up as expected.

“We have called our supervisor. He is coming possibly with a bus to take us to our polling unit,” he said at about 9.00 a.m.

In many other areas, voting also started at 9.00 a.m.

In Polling Units 040, 042 at Palace Way and Polling 030, 031 and 029 at Unity Nursery and Primary School, as well as Polling Units 018, 019, and 027 located at Muslim College, all in Agodo Egbe, started voting around 9.00 a.m.

Voters were seen coming one after the other to cast their votes. After voting, most of them left.

On Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, voters waited for election materials and electoral officers in many polling units monitored by NAN.

As at 9.25 a.m., voters were still gathered at various polling units awaiting the arrival of the officers and materials.

Accreditation and voting eventually started at 8.50 a.m. and 9.10 a.m. in some locations.

Notably, polling units 002, 005, and 007 in Ward E, as well as units 011, 015 and 004 in Ward C, experienced significant delays.

Wards F, G, and A also witnessed delayed material distribution.

They also recorded low voter turnout as at the time of filing the report.

On the other hand, there was a strong turnout at units 008 and 009 in Ward D as well as in Wards B and I.

Speaking with NAN, Mr Olayiwola Sholagbade, a voter at Ward D, Unit 009, said: “We are still hopeful.

“Many are indoors watching as events unfold on television and radio.”

In Ikorodu, Mrs Folashade -Olabanji-Oba, Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Area, praised voters for peaceful conduct.

Olabanji-Oba, also Chairman, Association of Vice Chairmen of Nigeria, voted at Polling Unit 01 at Isele.

She urged eligible voters to come out en masse and vote.

At Polling Unit 119 at Mile 12, voting started at 8.10 a.m. while the exercise started at Polling Unit 115 at 8.25 a.m.

Voting began at Polling Unit 030 also at Mile 12 at 8.40 a.m. and took off at polling Unit 050 also at 8.51 a.m.

At Polling Unit 004, Opposite Adamson House, Ojogbe, electoral officers began arranging for voting material at 8:58 a.m. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

REPORTERS/EDITORS/IGO

Guild of Editors re-elects Anaba as President

Guild of Editors re-elects Anaba as President

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Election

By Alex Enebeli

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has re-elected Eze Anaba as its new president to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.

Anaba was re-elected during the NGE’s 2025 Biennial National Convention, held in Enugu on Friday.

The guild also elected Sabastine Abu as Deputy President while Alabi Kabir, Sheddy Ozonne and Hamza Idris, were elected unopposed as Vice-President West, East and North respectively.

Others elected included  Onuoha Ukeh as Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo, Assistant Secretary; Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Treasurer and Charles Kalu, Publicity Secretary.

They also elected Standing Committee members for West, East and North. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Vivian Ihechu

CSO urges credible LG elections, decry corruption

CSO urges credible LG elections, decry corruption

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By Perpetua Onuegbu

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Nigeria has called for credible electoral processes at the local government level to enable the election of competent representatives capable of addressing grassroots needs.

The Resident Representative of KAS Nigeria, Ms Marija Peran, made the call at a one-day dialogue in Abuja.

The dialogue, organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with KAS, had the theme: “Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: Effects of Corruption and Inefficiency on Good Governance”.

Peran, represented by the KAS Programme Manager, Mr Samson Adeniran, identified corruption and inefficiency as major obstacles to effective local governance.

She said addressing these issues required not only institutional reforms but also a collective commitment to integrity and accountability at all levels.

She added that the way local government elections are conducted determines the level of autonomy councils enjoy.

“Electoral processes must enable genuine representation, allowing competent leadership to emerge free from undue external influence.

“Without credible and fair elections, local governance risks becoming an extension of centralised control instead of an independent structure responsive to the grassroots,” she said.

She also called for constitutional and legislative reforms that would safeguard local government independence while ensuring strong accountability frameworks.

Executive Director of CISLAC, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, said financial autonomy for local governments had not translated into good governance due to political interference and weak institutions.

He said in many states, local governments functioned as extensions of state executive power, with local officials accountable to governors instead of the people.

“Appointments, elections, budget allocations and contract awards are often dictated by state actors.

“The practice of replacing elected councils with unelected caretaker committees, sometimes for years, is a breach of the constitution.

“These actions undermine democracy and hinder development at the grassroots,” he said.

Rafsanjani also called for scrutiny of joint state-local government accounts, describing them as channels for siphoning public funds.

“Without transparency, autonomy remains symbolic,” he said.

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, said state-level influence had led to structural and operational weaknesses in local governance.

He said although Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution recognises local governments as a democratic tier, challenges persist.

Aliyu noted that unqualified individuals were often appointed as chairmen and councillors, weakening service delivery.

“Inadequate electoral processes fail to produce credible leaders, and this opens the door for corruption,” he said.

Also speaking, a professor of economic history and lawyer, Prof. Adetunji Ogunyemi of Obafemi Awolowo University, said the Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, had granted local governments fiscal autonomy.

“Local governments can no longer claim they are financially constrained by state governments.

“They now have full autonomy to pursue their budgets and operate independently,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

INEC fixes Feb. 21, 2026 for FCT Area Council election

INEC fixes Feb. 21, 2026 for FCT Area Council election

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Election

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Feb. 21, 2026 for the conduct of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during the commission’s first consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on Wednesday in Abuja.

Yakubu, who recalled that the last FCT area council election was held on Feb. 12, 2022, said that by the effluxion of time, the tenure of the current Chairmen and Councillors ends 2026.

He said that voting would take place in all the designated Polling Units (PUs) across the 68 constituencies to elect the six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councilors.

“In compliance with the mandatory legal requirements, the notice for the election will be published next month i.e. Feb. 26, 2025,” he said.

Yakubu said that primaries for the election would hold from June 9 to June 30, 2025, while the candidate nomination portal would open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from July 21 to Aug. 11.

“The final list of candidates will be published on Sept. 22, 2025. Campaigns in public by political parties will end at midnight of Thursday Feb. 19, 2026,’’ he said.

The INEC boss added that the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the election as well as the list of constituencies and type of elections in the FCT would be uploaded to the INEC website before the end of the meeting.

He also reminded leaders of political parties that the primaries for the Nov. 8, Anambra governorship election would commence on March 20 to April 10.

He advised political parties to forward their schedule of activities for the election to the commission before the end of the week.

This, according to Yakubu would enable INEC to plan better for the deployment of personnel and resources for the monitoring of party primaries and campaign activities.

Yakubu, who said that 2025 would be a busy year for INEC, noted that the commission would soon come up with plans for other routine activities such as the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter registration (CVR) and the conduct of outstanding by-elections.

In his remarks, the National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, urged INEC in preparation for Anambra governorship and 2027 general elections to immediately put in place requirements in due time.

Dantalle also urged stakeholders to support INEC in discharging its statutory duties essential in consolidating and strengthening Nigeria constitutional governance.

He said that stakeholders must continue to work together in ensuring electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and the mandate of the people.

“Similarly, the council urged the National Assembly to expedite action in the on-going Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments, as time is of the essence; as well as ensure diligent and speedy consideration and passage of the 2025 appropriation bill.

“We also urge citizens to be alive to their civic responsibilities and ensure that those they voted into office should give genuine account of their stewardship.

“Their performance will determine their fate in future elections,” Dantalle said.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Yakubu Uba

Wike approves N280.3 million for scholarships to 13,946 indigent students – Secretary

Wike approves N280.3 million for scholarships to 13,946 indigent students – Secretary

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By Philip Yatai 

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has approved N280.3 million for the payment of scholarships to 13,946 indigent students at all levels of education in the FCT.

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCT Administration disclosed this on Thursday in Gwagwalada, during the inauguration of the accelerated rehabilitation of 19 public schools across FCT.

The inauguration took place at the School of the Gifted, Gwagwalada in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.

Hayyo explained that the amount was for both new and existing indigent beneficiaries in different schools and at different levels of learning.

This, according to him, “is to ensure that no child is left behind”.

He added that besides scholarships and public schools’ rehabilitation, the minister had equally resuscitated the school sports festival, abandoned 25 years back.

On the school rehabilitation, the mandate secretary said that the goal was to enhance the learning environment and promote educational excellence.

He added that the move was also to ensure that students and teachers have access to quality facilities needed for quality education delivery.

According to him, the measures are evidence of the minister’s commitment to the total development of the future leaders.

“This is a testament to the minister’s dedication to providing an environment that is conducive to learning; one that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of young ones.

“It is about laying a foundation for a brighter future for our children,” Hayyo said.

He added: “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that every child in the FCT has access to quality education; to a safe and stimulating learning environment, where they can grow, thrive and transform into the leaders of tomorrow.”

“Let us, therefore, reflect on the importance of our mission; let us be inspired by the potential impact of our collective efforts.

“Let us look forward to the successful completion of the project as we continue to work hand in hand towards a brighter and more prosperous future for the federal capital territory”. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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